Richmond Council are offering to pay for the training of new life guards in the borough.

Residents can apply to obtain their National Pool Lifeguard Qualification free of charge, normally costing £250-£300.

95% of all UK pool lifeguards in the UK are qualified through the NPLQ which complies with industry requirements and is internationally recognised.

NPLQ courses are held throughout the year at both Teddington Pool and Fitness Centre and Pools on the Park in Richmond.

The NPLQ qualification is a recruitment requirement for a wide array of leisure jobs.

Once residents have qualified they will be encouraged to apply for a position within Richmond Council's Sport & Leisure team.

Any resident over the age of 16 can apply with free places limited and subject to initial assessment and interview.

If you are interested please email [email protected] or call 020 3772 2999.

You can find out more about the NPLQ here.